Stamp-affixer.



W. P. SGHWEIGER & BQ D. STRAIGHT.

STAMP AFPIXEB.

APPLICATION FILED JUNEB, 1910.

Patented Dec.19,1911.

2 sums-s111121' 1.

W. F. SCHWEIGBR 6a B. D. STRAIGHT.

STAMP AFFIXER.

APPLICATION FILED JUNne,191o.

Patented Dec. 19, 1911.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

85% 61 @Q ,Zo/a 1 thereon.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM F. SGHWEIGER AND-BENNETT -D. STRAIGHT', 0F ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNORS, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO MULTIPOST COMPANY, 0F

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION Olli' NEW 'YORIL Maur-'Arminia `drawings, vforming a part of the specification, and Vto the reference-numerals marke'd Our present invention relates to machines for aixing postage stamps or labels and it has flor its o ject to provide a portable machine adapted for hand use, in which a strip of stamps may be inserted and successivelydischarged therefrom and affixed to` the article to which they are to be applied.

rA further Job'ect of the in vention is to provide a suitable feeding mechanism .for advancing the stamp strip step by ste and devices operated conjointly therewit for depositing liquid on the article to which the stamp is to be applied before the stamp is aiii'xed thereto-.- v

Another object of the invention is to pro vide an arrangement of parts whereby the alixing member and the stamp .faeding devices may be both locked in inoperative positions when the machine is not in use to prevent the unauthorized removal of the stamps, such locking of the parts being normally rendered inaccessible by the stam holder itself, which is normally locke g against removal.

To these and other ends the invention consists in certain improvements and combina tions of parts allas will be hereinafter more fully described, the 'novel features being pointed out inthe claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a machine constructed in accordance with our invention; Figs. 2 and 3 are vertical sectional views showing the parts different positions; Fig.' 4 is a simi ar view showing the axing member and feeding mechanism locked in ino rative osition; Fig. 5 is a detail view part y in section`illustratin the disengaging of the carriage from the a Xing member and the severance of the stamp strip by the latter; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the machine; Fig. 7 is a Specication of Letters Patent. applicati ancianas, 19in.' serieu no. 585,167.

Patented Dec. 19, 1911.

detail view of the stamp holder and its guide way, said parts being removedvfrom the machine; -Fig. 8 is a similar detail view of the interior of the machine with the stamp holder removed, showing the stamp feeding finger; Fig. 9 is a horizontal view taken on the line 9*-9 of F ig. 5; Fig. 10 is a similar view taken on the line 10"--10" of Fig. 5; Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the Vwarping of a stamp strip as it is projected from the guide.

Similar reference numerals in the several figures indicate similar parts.

In illustrating one embodiment of our invention we have shown a machine having a frame composed of side pieces 1, connected at their bottom ed es to a base plate :2, and at their rear ed esgby t-he `wall 4, which also forms the top o the frame, and is rovided with an aperture arranged central y to an aperture in the base 2, through which the 78'. a

lower end, its upper extremity being pro` 80 vided with an operating knob or handle 7. Extending transversely through the lower end of the shaft is a rod or pin 8 the extremities of which are uided in parallel slots 9 formed in the side pieces 1 of the frame, 85

said pins also being provided with shoulders 10 engaging the proximate faces of the side pieces o the frame and serving to hold the ailixing member centrally therein. Coil rings 15 are disposed at opposite sides of 90 s the shaft 5 and are connected at their opposite extremities to eyes on the frame and plunger 6 for retracting the latter in the position shown in Fig. 2. At the forward side of the plunger is arranged the stamp container with its guide way by means of which the stamps are introducedinto proper position in front of the plunger or aixm member. The stamps or abels are provide in a strip which is rolled as indicated by 16,

and the. container in which -they are held is preferably constructed in the form of a ring-17, fitted between the ears or extensions 18 on the sides of the frame, which are preferably A 1, so that t e operator may readily determine the quantity of stamps contained therein. At its lower side the ring is provided erfrated as indicated in Fig.

with au opening or slit 19 through which the stamp strip passes into the downwardly eX- tending guide way. the discharge end thereof heilig locateit near the base 2 abutting thc bar or cutter 20 rigidly supported on the frame and which coperates with the shearing edge 21 on the plunger G. The guide way is embraced between the walls 22, which are connected at their outer and lower edges by the wall 23 to form a casing which is spaced apart from the guide way to aocoinniodate suitable locking devices comprising a bolt 24 engaging an aperture in the base 2, for preventing the removal of the stamp holder. The latter is also retained by the hooks '25 on the ring 17 enga ing an interior shoulder 3() on the top o the frame. Arranged at the opposite or rear side of the atiixing member is a receptacle or cham'- ber 31 adapted to contain liquid such as water, in the event the stamps or labels are gummed, although an adhesive substance such as mucilage mi ht be employed therein. In the inner wa l of the chamber at its lower end is provided an orifice, or a plurality of orifices, 32 adapted to direct the liquid discharged from the chamber across the path of the langer 6 at a point beneath the open end o the stamp guide, so that a spray will be deposited on theuarticle to which the stamp is to be atlixed before the latter is severed from the strip. The means for ejecting liquid through the orifices comprises a piston 33,reciprocating horizontally in a chamber 34 and connected to a piston rod 35 guided in the walls of said chamber which are provided with erforations 36 preveutinur free ingress of t 1e liquid thereto, but offering sufficient resistance to its displacement during the movement of the piston, so that the latter will cause a portion thereof to be ejected through the discharge orifices 32. The face of the piston is provided with a strip of packing 37 which normallyT closes the inner ends of the orifices and prevents leakage therethrough. A leaf spi-ing is connected to the outer end of the piston 35, and is attached at its u per f-nd. as indicated at 39, to the top o the receptacie 3l. and about midway ott its length the spring is provided with an incline cam surface 40, which is disposed 'centrally of the spring and directly above the iiston rod 35. A latch connection is formed ietween the atlixing member and the spring b v providing in the head G a pawl 41 ivoted in a recess and having an end 42 w ich pri-ventsits movement in one direction, said pawl being normally held in the operative position by a leaf spring 45, as shown in Fig. 3. F rom this arrangement of the parts t'will be seen that durinfr the downward movementl of the plunger tlie pawl 41 rides over the incline 40 and compresses the spring 38, and as it disengagesthe cam surface allows the spring to impart a sudden movement to the piston 33, and upon the return ,movement of the aftixing member the pawl will rotate 0nits pivot and thus pass the projection 40 withoutactuating the spring 38. The cam V1-0 is located in such a position that the movement of the piston 33 occurs in timed relation to the feeding and severing of the stamp, its release occurring just previous to the cutting 0H of a stamp. A suitable filling aperture is provided 1n the rear wall of the receptacle near its upper end which is normally closed by a screw plu" 46 accessible through an aperture provided in the rear wall 4 of the frame.

The mechanism employed for feeding the stamp strip is designed to advance the latter step by step to project a single stamp across the cutter-20 into the path of the aflixing member upon each reciprocation of the latter. This mechanism comprises a reciprocatory carriage provided with a finger or fingers projecting into the stamp Way and coperating with the stamp strip. Movement is imparted to the carriage to cause it to travel the distance required to properly feed the stamp during the movement of the afiixing member in one direction, by means of a locking device securin these parts together which is automaticaly tripped to release the carria when its required movement has been e ected. The'locking device mentioned is also ,intended to perform another function, that of locking the feeding mechanism in inoperative position and also holding the atiixing member in its projected position, closing the aperture in the base -and etfectually preventing access to the stamps. In carrying out these features of the invention we preferably form the shaft 5 rectangular in cross-section and make the carriage of the feeding mechanism in the form of a sleeve 47, which is independently movable on the shaft 5, but prevented from rotary movement thereon by the shape of the parts. At the forward side of the carriage are projecting wings t8 between which is pivotallye supported, on the rod 49, a latch mem 'r 50, provided with the hook end 52, which is normally pressed toward the adjacent side of the shaft 5 by a spring 53, supported by having its coils 54 wrapped around the ends of the pin 49. The end 52 of the latch member forms a pawl. which is adapted to engage a shallow notch or recess 55 in the side of the shaft 5 near the lower end thereof and adjacent the plunger or head 6, and at certain times, as will be.- further described, the pawl also engages another notch Y60. The upward movement. of the carriage 47 is limited by the stop or projection 61 thereon Vengaging the top of the frame, vto which position it is carried hy the upward movement of the atlixing member when it is retracted by the coil springs 51, in which position the notch alines with the pawl 52, so that upon the downward movement of the atfixing member the carriage travels therewith.

It is important in a machine of this character that the stamp stri be fed an exact distance, accordin to t e length of the Ast inpsnor labels rinted on the strip, so that teseverance o the strip occurring upon the downwardmovement of the axing member will occur each time between successive stamps. Any inaccuracy in feeding 'the strip necessitates adjusting it in reference to the feeding device, and thus justifyof the strip will be frequently required to prevent cutting olf pieces of unequal lenkgth, a circumstance which is particularly un esirable when the machine is employed for aftixing postage stamps.

The stamp feeding mechanism further comprises a finger 62 on the carriage el?, which projects into the stamp way and cooperates With the stamp strip therein during the downward movement of the aflixing member. The finger 62 is preferably composed of a plurality of thin blades arranged side by side, as shown in Fig. 8, which are strung on a in 63 supported between the wings 48 of t e carriage, said pin being arranged at one corner of the blades so that the ends of the latter form shoulders 64 which ooperate with a resilient block of rubber or other suitable material G5. The latter is compressed bet-Ween said ends of the fingers and an overhanging cap piece 70 extending between the wings 48. By employing a resilient block in the place indicated an independent movement is permitted to each of the plates, composing the linger (32,-permitting these blades to automatically adjust themselves to any irregularity of the stamp strip, and permitting certain blades to move into enga ement with the shoulders, formed by tie perforations in the stamp strip, whenever the feeding finger is moved along the surface of the latter. All of the lingers being yieldingly supported sou of them will always engage in the perforations irrespective of the position of the perforations in the strip, or of the exactncss with which said strip may be centered in the guide. The exact distance through which the feeding mechanism is moved to control the projection of the stamp strip from the guide is determined by a strip or stop 71, stationary on the frame of the machine and adapted to cooperate with the cam surface 72 of a releasing finger 73 connected to the locking device or pawl 50, and for convenience in construction this trip ing device or stop may be made as part of) the cutter 20.

- .Asbefore explained the carriage 47 when in its up rmost or inoperative position is arrested y the stop 61 engaging the top of the frame. of the machine, and when the aiiixing member 1s retracted by the co1] springs 1.3 the pawl 52 is actuated by the Spring 53 into engagement with the not-ch` or recess 55 in the shaft 5. Now upon thc downward movement of this shaft, the carriage 47 being locked to it is carried downwardly and during its downward movement some of the component elements of the feeding finger 62 engage the perforations in the stamp stri and cause the latter to be moved downward y in the guide way until the pawl is tripped by the engagement of the cam surface T2 with the stop 7l, as shown in Fig. 5. This releasing of the carriage from the aixing member occurs just previous to the engagement of the shear 21, on the head 6, with its cooperating cutter Q0, consequently the movement of the feeding mechanisin is arrested after the stamp strip has been projected the required distance, and the cutting olf of the stamp is effected by the continued movement of the aflixing member, the head (i of which after passing the cutter 20 projects through the aperture in the base 2 of the frame into engagement with the article to which the stamp is to be applied. When the operator releases the knob-T the shaft 5 in moving upwardly carries with it the sleeve 47, the upward rnovement of which is first arrested While the shaft 5 is permitted to move therethrough until its limit of movement is reached and the locking member 52 is again permitted to automatically engage the aperture 55.

It will thus be seen that the successive operations of feeding and aiiixingthe stamps may be continued unt-il the supply of stamps is exhausted. 'Yhen, however, it is desired to lock the machine to prevent the surreptitions or unauthorized removal of a stamp the operator will be careful not to allow the aiixing member to be retracted into its inoperative position after the last stamp deslred has been discharged. from the machine. At such time the shaft is allowed to retract only a sutlicient distance to cause the spring-tongue or finger 74 to roject through the slot or aperture 75 in t e top of the frame where it may be grasped by the operator to retain the carriage in its uppermost position while the atiixing member is again projected into its lowermost po- Sition, as shown in Fig. 4, when the pawl 52 will engage the notch or recess 60. For convenience in holding the carriage in inoperative position temporarily the spring finger 74 is undercut at its edges, as indicated at 76 in Fig. 8, forming a narrow portion which may be deected into a corresponding recess 77 arranged at one side of the aperture 75, as shown inf Fig. 6. The aiiixing member, when locked in the osition just described is in projected position 'its further movement in this direction being limitedi by the engagement of the pins 8 with the lower ends of the guide slots l) of the frame. The carriage 4T being also limited in its movement in the opposite direction by abutting against the wall of the frame, and being lirmly locked to the shaft etectually prevents any movement of the atlixing member which would permit access to the stamps in the guide way The location of the stamp holder and its guide Way at the front of the frame, so that it normally renders the locking device inaccessible7 will be seen to be a particularly 'advantageous' arrangement of the parts as it is necessary to displace the holder and its guide. Way be fore the ailixing member can be released for further operation, and these parts being locked the machine can only be released by the proper authorit In a machine of this character it is also desirable to prevent the removal vof the stamps When the aifixing member is not locked, as described above, and during the time it is in actual use, and to this end we have provided a particular arrz'lngement of elements whereby any attempt 'to extract stamps by drawing the strip forwardly from the discharge end of the guide way will bethwarted and result in rendering the machine inoperative. 4In carrying out this feature of our invention the guideway is provided with a portion which is adapted to impart a curve to the stamp stri p the latter is projected or advanced lengthwise therein so that in the event the strip is pulled at its free end, in con'tradistinction to its being pushed forwardly by the feeding devices, it will be pulled out of its normal path or deflected and thus become bound in the guideway to prevent the strip from being fed further. The guideway also includes a yielding part or tensioning means which cooperates with the stamp strip to cause it to follow continuously the normal curve imparted to it but which will move when a strain is exerted on the free end of the strip. The deflecting of the strip in the guideway occasioned in this manner is suilicient to draw it into engagement with an arresting member which is so positioned relatively to the guideway that as the stamp strip traverses its normal path While being pushed ahead by the feeding mechanism, lsaid strip will freely pass around one side of said arresting member. In the arrangement of the parts illustrating the present embodiment of the invention the guide way is arranged to project downwardly fronrtlie stamp holder in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the aliixing mein ber and the feeding mechanism, and lthe i ion for imparting the curve to thestamp strip is located at the lower end of' the guideway Where it is curved laterally to the point of discharge at the cutting har. The

miami back of the guide Way is a stationary plate T8 receiving the thrust of the feeding linger (l2 and the from of the guide Way is composed of a frame 79 having an open renier which is supported at a central. point on yielding fingers 8O attached at their upper ends to the ring or stamp holder I7. The lower end of the frame 7 9 forming the inner curved surface of the guide Way rides lightly upon the stamp strip passing therethrough, and since it is held at its center' by the spring fingers 8l), its lower end Will be moved away from the stationary part of the guide if the slamp strip is displaced relatively thereto, as will occur in the event the stamp strip is pulled forwardly. The movement thus imparted to the lower end oi' the frame T9 will cause its upper end Sl to be tilted to bind the stamp strip in the guide way at its upper or entrance end. Another means is also employed for further arresting the stamp strip comprising a projection or series of projections such as needles SQ, mounted on a transversely extending har till. which are arranged with their pointed ends in juxtaposition to the stamp strip and in such a position that the latter when dis placed by an attempt to draw it forwardly in the guide will either puncture the paper or pass through the perforations therein. The spring frame T9 is held in position by the light spring tension of the fingers S0 and the frame resting lightly against the stamp strip constitutes a tensioning device which performs the function of holding the stamp strip in place, A pull on the ex tremity of the stamp strip which imparts a non-functional tension thereto will vary the normal tension of the strip and may be less than that required to tear ott the outermost stamp, even 1f the strip is perforated, and still be suilicient to deflect the interxnediate portion of the strip lying in the goideivay into engagement with the arresting' members or needles 82. The strip becoming thus impaled on the needles is held by them in itsl deflected position eifectually preventing the further feeding of the stamps until the stamp holder'is detached from the machine and the stamp strip restored to its normal position. u

1 The strips of stamps are preferably wound `into a roll and when retained in this condition the strip when unrolled still possesses a tendency to curl, thus giving to each stamp a slight curve. and in addition to this the discharge of the strip from the curved extremity of the guide way will impart the saine tendency thereto, indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1l. This sometimes causes the stamp to curl at its edges after it has been applied to an article, or to curl in` such a manner that more or less of one edge of a stamp will be turned back or folded uponitself when engaged by the aiiixing member and'to overcome these didiculties and'also to facilitate the severance ofr the stamps from .the strips We `have provided means for warping or curving the stamps transversely of the strip. This we do hv causing the end of the strip to be rounded slightly at its center, after it has assed the curve of the guide way and as it emerges from the open end or throat. This= curving of the strip transversely {iattens the stamp and entirely overcomes the inherent tendency of the paper to curl from other causes. To accomplish this We provide the discharge end or throat of the guide way with a warping surface 84 which is formed by raising the center of the guide Way above its edges, so that the strip as it is fed thereover will be raised at the cent-er suiiiciently to cause the stamps projected therefrom to be held in horizontal alinement with the end of the guide Way. The edge of the cutter 20 is similarly shaped` as shown in Fig. 8, so that when the straight cutting edge 21 of the affixlng member engages therewith, as shown in Fig. 5, the cutting of the strip is .accomplished by a shearing action commencing at the center, as shown in Figs. 5 and 11.

It is desirable in connection with a ma chini` of this character that an accurate rec- 1 ord be kept of all stamps fed out of the stamp box or holder and for this purpose we have provided a counter or indicator 85, of the usual or any preferred construction, which is mounted on the frame. The operating member 86 of the counter is connected by the links 87 and 88 with the stamp feed ing mechanism, preferably with the sleeve 47. These operating connections should be actuated by the stamp feeding `-devices instead of the aiiixing member, as thelatter may be reciprocated Without necessarily discharging stamps from the machine.

A machine constructed in accordance With our invention is compact, and comprises few parts which are simple in construction and may be readily assembled.

lVe claim as our invention.

l. 1n a stamp aflixer, the combination with a frame 'and an aiiixing member moiiable into vand out of afiixing position, of a liquid receptacle having a dischar e chamber therein and provided with an orifice leading from said chamber, a piston reciprocating in the latter and means actuated by the aflixing member for operating said piston.

2. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with a frame and an aiiixing member movable into and out of aflixing position, of a liguid receptacle provided `with a discharge orifice, a wall forming a chamber in the receptacle about the inner end of the orifice, the interior of the receptacle and chamber being in communication, a piston located in the 'chamber and means actuated by the ailixing member for operating said iston to expel liquid from the discharge ori ce.

3. ln a stamp aiiiXer, the combination with a frame and an affixing member movable into and out of ai'lixing position, of a liquid receptacle provided with a discharge orifice, a 'wall arranged in the receptacle and separating a portion of the liquid therein adja cent the discharge orice from the main body of the liquid, a piston cooperating with the wall to discharge the liquid confined by it through said 'orifice and means actuated by'the aiiifxing member for operating the i piston.

4. In a stamp aiixer, the combination With a frame and an aiiixing member movable into and out of aitixing position, of a liquid receptacle provided with a discharge orifice located at the lower end of the side wall of the receptacle, a partition Wall arranged in the latter above the orifice and near the bottom of the receptacle-to separate a portion of the liquid in the vicinity of the orifice from the main body of the liquid, a piston movable relatively to the side Wall of the receptacle between the bottom of the latter 'and said artition wall and means actuated by the a King member for operating the piston. 5. In a stamp aiixer, the combination With a reciprocatory plunger and means for positionng a lstamp in front of the plunger, of a liquid receptacle having a discharge orifice, means for discharging the liquid through said orifice, a spring placed under tension by the movement of the plunger and operating when released to actuate the discharging means to expel the liquid.

6. In a. stamp atlixer, the combixation with a reciprocatory plunger and means for positioning a stamp in front of the plunger, of a liquidV receptacle having a discharge orifice, means for discharging the liquid through said orifice, a spring for operating said means, and members forming a latch connection between the spring and plunger for placing said spring under tension during the movement of the plunger in one direction.

In a stamp aiiixer, the combination with a iie'ciprocatory plunger and means for positioning a stamp in front of the plunger, of a liquid receptacle having a discharge orifice, means for discharging the liquid through said orifice, a spring for operating said means, Y and cooperating latch members on the spring and plunger respectively, for tension'ing and tripping the spring during the movement of the plunger in one direction.

gf, In a stamp aliixer, the combination with an aflixing cal directwmand means for positioning a stamp beneath the member, of a liquid chamber having an orice discharging in the path of said member, apiston movable horizontally inthe chamber relatively to the oriiice member reciprocating in a vertimember, a stamp container and guideway for directing stamps into the path of the aftixing member and mounted ou the frame at the other side of said member, means for feeding stamps along the guideway and means for ejecting liquid from the receptacle during the movement of the aiiixing member.

10. In a portable stamp aiiixer, the combination with a frame having a base provided with an aperture, a vertically reciprocating shaft guided centrally in the frame having an aiixing member therein passing into said aperture when in aiiixing position, and a liquld receptacle mounted in the frame at one side of the affixing member having a discharge orifice and provided with a piston, of a stamp container and a guideway located at the other side of the afiixing member, feeding devices at one side of the aiiixing member coperating with stamps in the guidewav and means at the other side of said aiiixing member for operating the piston.

11. In a stamp aiiixer, the combination with a frame, a liquid receptacle therein having a discharge orifice and an affixing member guided on the frame and reciprocating past said receptacle, of a piston operating in the latter, a spring connected to the piston having a part .adapted to be engaged b v the member to place the spring under tension during the movement of the member in one direction, and release said spring before the aifixing member reaches the limit of its movement and means for projecting a :stamp` in advance of the aiixing member. 12. In a stamp afiixer, the combination with a frame, and a movable aiiixing member guided on the frame, of a liquid cham ber having a discharge orifice, a piston co operatingwith the latter, a spring for op erating it in one direction provided with a part coperating 'with the aiiixing member for placing the spring under tension and releasing it and means for positioning a stamp in the path of the affixing member.

13. In a stamp afiixer, the combination with a frame, and an aiiixing member guided on the frame and movable into rand out of aiiixing position, ot a liquid chame ber having a discharge orifice. a piston cooperating with the latter and an operating member connected to the piston and arranged to be set b v the member during its movement into afiixing position and released before said member reaches its limit of movement and devices for positioning a stamp in front of the aiiixing member.

14. In a stamp afiixer, the combination with frame, a liquid chamber therein having a discharge orifice and a plunger guided on the frame and reciprocating past the chamber, of a piston arranged in the chamber, a leaf spring located exteriorly thereof and connected to the piston and having a projection thereon, a latch on the plunger cooperating with the projection to compress the spring during the movement oi' the plunger in one direction, and devices for projecting a stamp in the path of the plunger.

15. In a stamp affilier, the combination with a movable affixing member and means for positioning a stam in front of it, of a liquid receptacle provided with an'outlet orifice, a piston located within the receptacle and a yielding member holding the piston in a position to normally close the orice, said member coperating with the afiixing member to retract the piston and release it to expel liquid from the orifice.

1G. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with a movable atiixing member and means for ositioning a stamp in front of it, of a liquid receptacle, a piston chamber therein and an outlet orifice leading therefrom, a piston arranged in the chamber and normally closing the orifice and operating connections between the aiiixing member and piston for reciprocating the latter in its chambemr.

17. In a stump affixer, the combination. with a movable aflixing member and a stamp guide maintaining a stamp strip in fiat condition throughout its length and having a throat provided with an upwardly projecting surface at its center coperating with the extremity of the stamp strip to warp only the outermost stamp as it is projected from the guide, of means for feeding a stamp strip along the guide and over said surface into the path of the aiiixing member.

18. In a stamp aiiixer, the combination with a movable afiixing member, a stamp guide and a raised surface at its extremity adapted to Warp a stamp by arching it upwardly as it is discharged from the guide, of means for feeding a. stamp along the guide and projecting it into affxing position in front of the aflixing member.

19. In a stampV afiixer. the combination with a frame, a movable aliixing member guided therein, a removable stamp holder fitted in the frame comprising u guide haring at its extremity a warping surface adapted to curve a stamp transversely as it emerges from the guide, of means for ad` vancing stamps successively along the guide Yinto `a position in front o1' thea-aixing memr '3l'.

f In a stamp afxer, the combination vi l a'frame, a movable aflixing member guiwd therein, a removable stamp holder secured to the frame and a stamp guide way leading therefrom having a curved extremity discharging into the path of the member, said extremity being provided with a warping surface adapted to curve a stamp transversely, of means for feeding stamps along said guide into position in front of the ailixing member.

21. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with a frame, a movable ailixing member guided therein, a stamp container located at one side of the member and a downwardly extending stamp guide leading therefrom having a straight portion and provided at its extremity with a laterally curved end opening at one side of the path of the affix ing member, of reciprocating feeding devices coperating with the straight portion of the guide way and engaging the stamps therein for advancing and successively projecting them into a position in front of said member.

22. ln a stamp affixer, the combination with a frame, a movable aflixing member guided therein and provided with a cutting edge, a coperating cutter on the frame, and a container detacheibly supported on the frame adapted to hold a rolled strip of stamps, of a guide way leading downwardly from the container having its open end terminating at the cutting bar and devices for advancing the strip step by step to project its extremity into the path of the aiixing member.

23. In a stamp aiiixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory stamp aiixer guided therein having a shearing edge, and a coperating cutter on' the frame having an angular shaped edge, of a removable container mounted on the frame, a stamp guide way leading therefrom having its extremity located adjacent the cutter and provided with a warping surface adapted to curve a stamp transversely, and feeding devices adapted to move a stamp along the guide and project it into a position in front of the affix ing member.

24. In a stamp aliixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory stamp atlixer guided therein having a shearing edge, and a coperating cutter on the fragile having an angular shaped edge, of a conta-mer mounted on the frame adapted to hold a strip of stamps, a guide Way for said strip leading downwardly from the container and having its extremity curved laterally into juxtaposition with the cutter and provided with a central portion raised above its edges and means for advancing the stamp strip by successive steps in the guide way.

25. In a stampalxer, the combination with a frame comprising an apertured base and side pieces, a stamp ailixer arranged between them and reciprocating toward and from the base and adapted to be pro'jected through the aperture therein, of a container for a strip of stamps arranged between the side pieces and located above the aftixer, a

stamp guide way leading downwardly from the container and having its open end located adjacent the base of the frame and at one side of the path of the atiixing member said container and guideWay being removably mounted on the frame, and feeding devices for advancing a stamp strip along the guide way.

26. In a stamp aiiixer, the combination with a frame comprising an apertured base and side pieces, a stamp aiixing member arranged between them and reciprocating toward and from the base and adapted to be projected through the aperture therein, of a container for a strip of stamps, a guide- Way leading therefrom, said guideway and container comprising a unit detachable from the frame and mounted thereon at one side of the affixing member, a liquid receptacle arranged between the side pieces of the frame at the other side of the aiiixing member, means for feeding stanlps along the guidewav and projectin them into the path of the aflixing member rom a point located at one side of said path and means for ejecting liquid from the receptacle in front of the projected stamp from a point at the opposite side of said aiiixing member.

A 27. ln a stamp affixer, the combination with a container adapted to hold a strip of stamps, a guide way leading therefrom having a laterally curved extremity, and comprising a stationary portion, a movable member riding on the strip passing along the guide and adapted to be actuated to'clamp said strip against the stationary partof the guide when an attem t is made to withdraw it from the outer en thereof, of means `foi feeding a stamp strip along the guide and an aiiixing member cooperating therewith.

t28. 1n a stamp4 aiiixer, the com ination with a container adapted to hold a strip of 115 stamps, a guide way leading therefro havingr a'curved extremity and a yielding y supported member resting, against the curved portion of the stamp strip and adapiid to be moved to clamp the strip when the free 12 end of the latter is drawn forwardly, of means for advancing a strip along the guide Way and an aiiixing member adapted to'cooperate therewith.

29. In a stamp ailixer, the combination 135 with a holder adapted'to contain a strip of stamps, a guide way leading therefrom having an extremity for projecting the end of the strip laterally and a yielding! supported clamping member extending lengthwise los - IQuid strip is of the guide Way and having a portion adapted to be moved by displacement of the strip relatively to the guide, of means engaging the strip in the guide for advancing it longitudinally therein, and an atixing member adapted to roperate With said meansl and with the end of the strip.

30. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with a reciprocating ali'ixing member, a container for holding a strip of Stamps;` and a stamp guide way leading therefrom having a curved extremity opening at one side of the path of themember, of a yieldingly supported clamping member extending along the guide Way and capable ofrbeing rocked to throw one end into engagement with the guide and means operated by the movement of the aliixing member in one direction for advancing the stamp strip. 1

3i. VIn a stamp aiixer, the combination with an affixing member, a holder adapted to contain a perforated strip of stamps and a guide way leading therefrom having a curved extremity opening at one side of the path of the member, of a projection extending into the` guide way and located in a position to engage one of the perforations in the stamp Strip when said strip is displaced'` laterally of the guide and means for vancing said strip along the guide.

32. In a stamp aiiixer, he combination with an atlixing member, -a holder adapted l to contain a perforated ltrip of stampsand a guide Way leading therefrom having a curved extremity openin at one side of the path of` the member, said way comprising an outer stationary portion and an inner yielding portion, of a rejection located relatively to the Way an adapted to enter one of the perforations of the stri when the displaced by drawing it forwardly against the yielding portion of the way and means for advancing said strip along the guide Way. l

33. In a stamp atlixer, the combination with an aliixing member, a holder adapted to contain a perforated strip of stamps and a-guide Way leading therefrom having a rnrved extremity opening at one Side of the path of the member, 1Veaid Way comprising a stati-nary back extending around the outside of the curve and a movable yieldingly supported front piece extending around the inside of the curve,` of a stop finger extending into the guide and adapted to coperate with the perforations in the Strip to arrest it when said strip is displaced laterally in the guide Way, and means for feeding Said Strip along the guide Way.

34. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with an aliixing member, a holder adapted to contain a strip of stamps and a guide Way lending therefrom coniprieing a stationary with a frame,

way leading therefrom, of

.Way leading therefrom,

t having a guide `Way bark and i front piece vieldingly supported, said bln-lt und front pieces being curved at the extremity of the guide Way to direct the stamp strip across the path of the aflixing member, of a stationary pin projecting into the guide Way adapted to engage with the .stamp strip and coperating with said yielding front piece to prevent the Withdrawal of' the strip when it is displaced laterally of the guide and means for advancing the strip along the guide way.

35. In a stamp affixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory atlixing member uided therein, a stamp container, and a guldevvay leading downwardly therefrom parallel to the direction of movement of the affxin member, of feeding fingers carried by said member and extending into the guideway.

36. In a stamp affixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory affixing member guided therein, and a stamp guideway havin a portion extending parallel to the directlon of movement of the member and a Ylaterally curving extremity discharging into the path of said member, of a stamp feeding device mounted on the aflixing member and reciprocating therewith and extend* ing into the guidewa 37. In a stamp a xer, the combination a reciproatry aiiixing member guided therein, and arcontainer adapted tohold a strip of stamps having a guide a movable carriage having a feeding finger adajpted to cooperate With the strip in the guikjalocking device between the alixing member and carriage, and a trip on the frame for disengaging said device,

38. Iii-a stamp alixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory affixing member guided therein, and' a holder for containing a strip of stamps having a guide of a carriage guided on the member and movable independently thereof having a feeding finger cooperating with the strip in the uide Way, a locking device between: the carriage and member and a trip on the frame for disengaging it when the finger has advanced the strip a predetermined distance.

39. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory aiiixing member guided on the frame having a cutting edge, a cutter on the` frame" cooperating therewith and a holder `for stamp strips leading therefrom to the cutter, of a carriage carried on and movable independently7 of the aliixing member having a feeding finger engaging the strip in the guide, a locking device between the latter and the earria e and a trip on the frame arranged to sengage said device previous to the engagement of the awning member and cutter.

40. In a stamp affixer, the combination -r with a frame, an ailixing, member guided therein comprising a reciprocatory shaft and `a head, a cutter on the frame coperating with the head and a holder for a strip of stamps having a guide way leading therefrom to the cutter, of a carriage supported on the shaft, a feeding linger on the carriage adapted to engage the stamp strip in the guide, a locking device between the cariage and aiiixing member, and a trip on the frame for disengaging said lock when the stam strip has been fed forward a predetermined distance.

41. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with a frame, a shaft, angular in cross section, reciprocating in the frame having a head at its lower end, a receptacle adapted to receive.a strip of stamps and a guide way for the latter having its discharge end located at one side of the path of movement of the head, of a carriage guided on the shaft, a feeding finger on the carriage projecting into the guide Way, a locking device on the carriage eoperating with the shaft, and a stop on the frame coperating with the locking device to release the carriage from the shaft at a predetermined oint 1n the movement of the latter in one direction.

42. In a.stamp aiiixer, the combinationwith a frame, a removable stamp holder having a stamp guide way, stamp feeding devices comprising a reeiprocatory carriage and a reciprocatory stamp aliixing member, of a locking device between the carriage and member operating to lock the `member in operated position when the carriage is retracted in its inoperative position.

43. In a stamp alfixer, the combination with a frame, a removable stamp holder having a stamp guide way, stamp feeding devices coperating with the guide way and comprising a reciprocatory carriage and a reclprocatory stamp aiiixing member, of a locking device capable of being released only when the stamp holder is displaced relatively to the frame, said device being adapted to secure the carriage and member at the limits of their movement in opposite directions.

44. In a stamp aliixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory attixing member guided therein, a reoiprocatory carriage and a device for looking the member and carriage together at their limits of movement 1n opposite directions relatively to each other, of a stamp holder embodying a guide way movably mounted on the frame and normally rendering the locking device inaccessible, a feeding member on the carringe adapted tocoperate with the guide way when the carriage and member are unlocked.

45. yIn a stamp aliixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory atiixing member comprising a shaft ided in the frame,r a-oarriage mounted on t e shaft and a lock-*1 ing device coperating With the shaft and carriage to secure them to ether when the former is projected and t e latter is retracted relatively to the frame, of a stamp holder embodying a guide movably mounted on the frame andv normally rendering said locking device inaccessible, a stamp feeding member on the carriage coperating with the guide when the carnage is unlocked, and means operated exteriorly of the frame for retaining the carriage in lts inoperative position while the shaft 1s projected into locking position.

46. In a stamp atfixer, the combination with a frame, an aliixing member comprising a reciprocatory shaft guided in the frame provided with locking notches, a reciprocatory carriage and a pawl thereon 4adapted to engage one of the notches to canse the carriage to be reciprocated with the shaft and to co erate with the other notch to lock the shaftJ and carriage at the extremities of their movement in opposite directions, of a holder for stamp strips and means on the carriage for feeding stamps from the holder.

4i'. In a stamp atlixer, the combination with a frame, a reciproeatory shaft guided therein having a head and provided with spaced notches, a cutter coperating with the head and a carriage movably mounted on the shaft, of a pawl on the carriage coperating with one of the notches to cause the carriage to move with the shaft, a stop on the frame coperating with the pawl to disengage it when the head moves into engagement with the cutter, said pawl coperating with the other notch to hold the shaft projected and the carriage retracted, a holder for a strip of stamps having a guide way for delivering said strips into position relatively to the cutter movable relatively to the frame and normally rendering the pawl inaccessible, and feeding devices on the carriage for advancing a stamp strip along the guide way.

48. In a stamp aliixer, the combination vwith a frame, .having apertured bottom and top portions, a reciprocating shaft projecting out of the top and provided at its lower end with a head operatingr through the bottom, a rcciprocatory carriager arranged in the frame. a locking member for securin the carriage to the shaft mounted on one o said parts and cooperating with the other in two positions, first to cause the carriage to reciprocate with the shaft and second to lock the shaft when the carriage is in retracted position and the shaft projected with its head located in the aperture of the frame bottom, a stationary projection for tripping the member during the projecting movement of the shaft when said member is in the first mentioned position, a device operable from the exterior of the frame to retain the with a frame, a reciprocating afiixing member, and stamp feeding mechanism, of a holder adapted to contain a strip of stamps, and a stamp guide way leading therefrom, said holder and guide way being capable of displacement on the frame to permit access to the interior of the holder, and a lock forretaining said parts in operative position on the frame.

50, In a stamp aliixer, the combination with a frame` a reciprocating atfixing member, and stamp feeding mechanism, of a holder adapted to contain a strip of stamps and having a guide Way, said holder having an open side and being detaehably mounted on the frame in a position to prevent access to its interior and a lock for securing the holder in operative position on the frame.

51. In a. `stamp aiiixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocating aflixing member, and stamp feeding mechanism, of a holder adapted to contain a strip of stamps` comprising a ring having a guide way leading therefrom, said ring and guide way being detachably supported on the frame and a lock connected to said parts and comprising a bolt adapted to cooperate with the frame for holding said parts in operative `position thereon.

52. In a stamp attixer, the combination with a frame having side pieces, a reciprocatory afiixing member and stamp feeding mechanism, of an open ring removably titted between the side pieces, a stamp guide attached to the ring and means for detachably securing the ring and guide way Within the frame.

In a stamp atiixer, the combination with a frame having side pieces, a reciprocatory atlixing member and stamp feeding mechanism. of a receptacle for stamps having open sides which are closed by fitting the receptacle bet-Ween the side pieces of the frame, a easing connected to the receptacle and a stamp guide Way located therein and loclnng devices arranged in said casing and comprisingr a bolt cooperating with the frame.

54. In a stamp atiixer, the combination with a reciproeatory atiixing member and a stam p guidi` may, of a stamp feeding mechanism comprising a carriage" and a feeding finger composed of a plurality of narrow blades each pivoted at one end to the earriage and having a shoulder, and a resilient member lying between the carriage and said shoulders.

55, In a stamp attimi', the combination With a reciprocatory aftixer, a stamp guide way and a reciprocatory carriage, of a feeding finger cooperating with the guide Way composed of a plurality of narrow blades arranged side by side and pivoted to the carriage and a resilient member common to all the blades and engaging them at one side of their pivotal point and permitting them to yield independently of each other.

56. In a stamp aiiixer, the combination with a reciprocatory atiixer, a stamp guide Way and a reciprocating carriage, of a feeding finger composed of a plurality of thin, rectangular blades arranged in -sidewise engagement, a pivot pin passing through them near one corner and connecting them to the carriage and a block of resiiient material engaging the ends of said blades in rear of the pm.

57. In a, stamp afixer, the combination with a stamp guideway, a reciprocatory afiixing member, feeding mechanism coperating with the guide way, and detachable operating connections between the member and feeding mechanism of a registering device and operating connections between it and the feeding mechanism.

In a stamp aft xer, the combination with' a frame, a stamp guide way, a reciprocatory atiixing member having a shaft and stamp feeding devices actuated by the member and comprising a sleeve carried on the shaft and a finger cooperating with the guide Way to successively feed stamps therefrom, of a counter mounted on the frame and operating connections between the counter and sleeve for actuating the former to record the number of stamps fed through the guide Way.

59. In a stamp aiiixer, the combination with a stamp guide Way having a discharge end, a feeding member coperatin with a strip of stamps to move it longitudinally of the guide Way and an aiixing member, of means coperatin with the stamp strip to arrest it when sai strip is drawn forwardly in the guide Way.

GO. In a, stamp ailixer, the combination with a stamp guide Way, a movable stam aliixing member and means coperating wit a strip of stamps to push them along the guide Way, of means for arresting the advancing movement of the stamp strip located at one side of the path of movement of the strip, means in the guide way for deiecting the strip so that the latter when pulled in a forward direction will be drawn into engagement with the arresting member and when pushed along the guide will pass said member uninterruptedly.

61. In a stamp aliixer, the combination with a movable athxing member, a stamp guide Way having Van end located to discharge stamps at one side of the path of said member, and a feeding member adapted to push a strip of stamps along said guideway when so deflected.

Yvice coperatingv guide way to at 'portion of the guide way and to project its extremity out of the discharge end thereof, said guide way comprising a part shaped to curve the ortion of the stamp strip lying beyond the ceding. member so'that it will be deflected from its normal path of movement when its ex remity is pulled, of' an arresting member positioned relatively to the guide to engage said strip 62. In a stamp aliixer, the combination with a movable aiiixing member, a stamp strip guide way arranged to discharge stamps into the path of the aliixing'member said guide way' comprisingalstraiht portion and a curved poijtierof a fee ing dewith a stamp strip in the vance it therein, the curved acting on said strip to curve it during lts feedm movement, a retaining member yielding y holding `the stamp strip in its curved position and adaptedto permit it to be deflected from the guide when the strip is drawn forwardly i dependently of the action of the feeding evice and means arranged relatively to said guide way and adapted 4to engage the stamp strip to arrest its further feeding movement when said strip is deflected in the guide way. 63. In a stamp alixer, the combination with a movable y allixing member, a stamp strip `guide Way and mechanism for advanc- -ing a stamp strip therethrough, said guidek wayhaving a portion adapted to impart a normal curve to a stam strip and comprising means for yielding y holding'said strip in its curved position while being advanced by the feeding members and allowing it to be deflected out of itsnormal osition when pulled along the` gudeway, o an arresting member arranged adjacent the guideway around one side of which the carved portion of the strip passes when advanced by the feeding member and with which the stamp strip engages when deflected.

64. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with an aflixing member, a stamp strip guide way having a discharge end and provided with a portion adapted to impart a continuous normal curve in a stamp strip as the latter is advanced therethrough and mechanism for feeding a stri oit' stamps along said guide way to eject 1ts extremity therefrom, of an impaling pin situated relatively to the guide at the inner side of the nor- BD/mally curved portion, a finger ,yieldingly holding said curved portion ont of engagement with the pin while said strip is being advanced by the` feeding mechanism and adapted to move to permit said strip to engage the pin when tension is applied to the free end of the strip.

G5. In a stamp allixer, the combination vwith a movable aiixing member, a stamp strip channel and means for feeding a stamp strip therethrough, of tensioning means en- Agaging the stamp strip to control its passage through said channel, and a normally inoperative arresting element adapted to coperate with the stamp strip when a force is applied tothe stamp strip suiicient to alter the normal position of said tensioning means.

66. In a stamp aliixer, the combination with a movable atlixing member, a stamp strip channel and means for feeding a stamp strip therethrough, of an arresting member adapted to coperate with a stamp strip to prevent its movement in the channel. when tension. is applied to move said strip along the channel by means other than the action of said feeding means.

67. In a stamp aflixing machine, the com- Y bination with an ailixing member and means for feeding a stamp stripv forwardly to de-i liver successive stamps ntobperative posi-V tion in front of the allixing member, of an arresting member adapted to coperate with the stamp strip to stop its movement, said member bein normally inoperative and adapted to berought into act1on when tension is ap lied to move the stamp strip .independent y of the feeding mechanism.

68. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination with a movable aflixing member and means for feeding a stam strip progressively, of a gnideway for lioldinga stamp strip in operative position relatively to said feeding means and directing its extremity into the path of the ailixing member, said guideway being adapted to provide a free portion 1n the stamp strip capable of displacement relatively to the guide and means adapted to engage the stamp strip when so 'displaced to prevent further portions thereof from being projected from the gnideway. f

69. In a stamp alilxing machine, the combination with a movable allixing member, a stamp strip guideway for directin the end of the strip into the path of sai member having a part providing a free portion in the stamp strip which may be displaced when tension is applied to the end of the stamp stri to draw it along the guideway, of means or feedin a stamp strip progressively tb successive y project its end from the guideway and means adapted to coperate with the stam strip to prevent its end from being furtlier advanced when the stamp strip is so dis laced.

70. In a stamp a Xin machine, the combination with a movabe ailixing member, and means for feeding a stamp strip progressively, of a guideway forholdinga stamp stri in operative position relatively to said fee ing means anddirecting its extremity into the path of the allixing member having a part providing a free portion of the stamp strip in advance of the feeding means, which ma be displaced when tension is applied to t e end of the strip, means adapted to cooperate with the stamp strip when the latter is so displaced to hold .it in displaced position and prevent its being projected from the gnideway.

T1. In a stamp atiixing machine. the comhination with a reciprocator)Y atlixing' member and feeding device and a stamp strip gnideway for holding a stamp strip in operative poeition relatively to the feeding device and directing its extremity into the path of the atlixingmember. said guidcwav havingf a part providing' a free portion of the `@lamp strip capalile of displacement when tension is applied to the end of the :t1-ip. ot means cooperating with the free portion of the ,-lrip to hold it in normal positivo during` the action of the feeding device. and means adapted to coperate with .-aid l'ree portion of the strip when the latter idisplaced and to hold it in displaced position.

7;). In a stamp aiiixing machine. the combination ith a reciprocatory atiixing member and feeding device and a stamp strip guidewav for holding a stamp Strip in operative poeiticn relatively to the feeding device Vand directing ite extremity into the path of the attixing member, said gnidewav having a part providing a free portion of the stamp strip capable of displacement relatively to the guideway when tension is applied to the end of the strip, of means adapted to cooperate with the free portion of the atrip when displaced to prevent its extremity from being projected h v the action of the feeding device, and yielding members cooperatingr with the Stamp strip to normally hold its t'ree portion in normal position relatively to the guide during its advancement b v said feeding device. v

73. In a stamp aflixer the combination with an altixing member, a feeding device and a stamp strip guide 'ay comprising a backing havimgT a laterally curved cnfl around which the stamp l"trip is projected n providing a portion of the Stamp strip which is free to be displaced when tcnaion is applied t'o Said strip, of a brake .shoe yieldnglv supported and capable of tilting relatively to the hacking and having an end arranged relatively to the curved portion of the backing adapted to be moved when the stamp strip is placed under tension to tilt its other end to clamp the stamp strip against the hacking. i

T4. In a stamp aflixer the combination with a frame. a reciprocatory shaft, an aliixing member thereon. and a reciprocatory stamp strip feeding mechanism. ot' a latch member connectingr the feeding mechanism and altixing member for movingr the former with the latter. a Stop for arresting the feeding device.` Said latch being adapted to yield to disconnect said parts and permit the independent movement ot' the aixing member.

75. In a stamp aitixer.y the combination with an aflixing member and a stamp Strip feeding device. said member and device being adapted to reciprocate together in the same direction. of a latch connecting them, 70 a stop cooperating with the feeding device to limity its movement in one direction, said latch being' adapted to yield automatically to disconnect said parts and permit the continued movement of the affixing member and a spring' for returning the latter to its normal position with the feeding device.

WILLIAM F. SCHVVEIGER. BENNETT D. STRAIGHT. Witnesees:

(. Immun RICH, M. I. ST. HELENS.

Copies of this patent may be Yobtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

